Are there different kinds of redwoods? How do coastal redwoods grow to become the tallest organisms on earth? Why are there so few old growth trees left? How important are banana slugs to the redwood ecosystems? Answer these questions and more every Saturday on our Redwood Grove Walks. One of our knowledgeable and friendly docents will lead you through the wondrous old growth forest and answer any questions you may have. Meet at the visitor center. Event free. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.

The Scottish SocietyCome out and celebrate Scottish culture, traditions, athletic competitions and entertainment - fun activities for the whole fami Date: Every day (Aug 4-Aug 5) at 9:00am Ages: All Special Instructions: Enter Gate 5

This popular Celtic celebration brings the music, dance, food and athletic events of Scotland and Ireland to Monterey County. The Festival features fun activities for the whole family, including an array of games for the wee ones. Travel to Scotland, Ireland and England without leaving the Monterey Peninsula. Come out and celebrate Scottish culture, traditions, athletic competitions and entertainment.

Enjoy delicious tastes of the British Isles including an array of meat pies from Heritage Meat Pies/Sunblest Foods (New! Jalapeno, Bacon, Mac and Cheese Pie, Mac and Cheese Pie, and Chicken Chili Verde Pie plus great favorites such as Steak and Mushroom Pie, Steak and Vegetables Pie, Shepherd's Pie, Lamb Curry Pie, and Sausage Rolls (see details below) plus British favorites from vendor Taste of Britain serving Fish and Chips, Corned Beef and Cabbage plus Kids Specials such as Chicken Tenders and Corn Dogs. New to the Festival this year is Murphys Mustard Company ("It's Just Plain Sassy!") Enjoy lots of sweet treats from Brown's handmade English Toffee and Welsh Shortcakes. (See list below)

On both days, there will be the popular whisky tasting seminars. This year, two seminars will take place at both 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm and one seminar on Sunday at 2:30 pm for a separate fee of $30. Participants will learn much more about the long history of whisky, how it's distilled, its many tasting characteristics of fine single malt whiskies. There will be lots of Guinness Beer and many other beverages as well.

The Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival offers a variety of live Celtic entertainment with exciting massed pipe bands on parade, including many award-winning California-based pipe bands, thrilling Drum Major Competitions, talented Highland and Country dancers, special entertainers, athletes competing in the famous Caber Toss and more, dozens of clan tents, whisky tasting seminars, delicious Celtic food, great jewelry, swords, kilts, crafts and more, sheepdog and duck herding, forging demos, kids games and much more. In addition to traditional pipes and drums, dancing, and a variety of exciting athletic competitions, the Festival is a celebration full of demonstrations, performances and musical entertainment related to many fascinating aspects of Scottish and Gaelic culture.

Research your own history by visiting the Avenue of the Clans featuring over two dozen very hospitable and informative clan booths. A historical re-enactment portraying life in 16th century Scotland includes performers who entertain and educate attendees though the medium of living history. Historical reenactors, including Mary Queen of Scots and her beautifully costumed court, Sjorvaldar Vikings (new this year), Clan Galbraith, SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism). Vaden Forge (forging demos kids love) allow attendees to step back in history. Festival-goers will enjoy experiencing and learning more about the fascinating Celtic culture and their own heritage.

Popular Irish singer/songwriter Seamus Kennedy, LA Fife and Drums will be returning to perform at the Festival. Cockswain, a high energy Celtic rock band and AnGry Brians, a band performing Celtic classics, will both make their debut at the Monterey event this year. (Note: Previously listed in press releases, Scott McDonald will not be joining us after all due to health challenges this year.)

In addition to dozens of solo piping and drumming competitions, there will be WUSPBA-accredited competition pipe band performances from the Grade 4 bands: MacIntosh Band, Silicon Valley Band (formerly Stewart Tartan), Prince Charles Pipe Band, and the Grade 5 bands: Emerald Society, Silicon Valley Band and Irish Pipers of San Francisco. Another popular competition is the Drum Major Competition where drum majors toss their mace expertly high up in the air and catch it accompanied by a pipe band.The two-day athletic competition features fan favorite events like Caber Toss, Hammer & Stone Throw, Weight for Distance & Height, and the Sheaf Toss. Over two days, multiple classes, age groups, and even youth games showcase the best each athlete has to offer in endurance, strength, and skill. Scottish Heavy Athletics provide all athletic supervision and registration.

ON SATURDAY NIGHT, AUGUST 4TH...

On Saturday evening, "A Piping Hot Dinner and Ceilidh Party" will be held again this year at Britannia Arms, 444 Alvarado St. in Monterey, with bagpipe performances by members of the award-winning Monterey Bay Pipe Band from 7 to 9 p.m. People who attend the festival that day can bring in their programs or ticket stubs to receive 20 percent off their dinners on Saturday, August 4th between 6:00 and 9:30 pm.

Festival Tickets:

Advance Discount Presale Monterey Scottish Festival tickets are on sale at www.montereyscotgames.com. Tickets (regularly priced) will be available at the gate during both days of the Festival.

Scottish Society of the Monterey PeninsulaPipe bands, Drum Major and Solo and Pipe Band competitions, Highland Dancing, Irish Step Dancing, Sheepdog Herding and... Date: Every day (Aug 4-Aug 5) from 9:00am to 6:00pm

This very popular Celtic celebration brings the music, dance, food and athletic events of Scotland and Ireland to Monterey County.

This very popular Celtic celebration brings the music, dance, food and athletic events of Scotland and Ireland to Monterey County.

The Festival features fun activities for the whole family, including wonderful games for the wee ones. Travel to Scotland, Ireland and England without leaving the Monterey Peninsula at this unique annual event.

The Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival offers a variety of live Celtic entertainment with the thrilling sights and sounds of the massed pipe bands on parade featuring hundreds of pipers and drummers, including many award-winning California-based pipe bands. The event includes talented Highland, Country and other types of costumed dancers, special entertainers, athletes, dozens of clans, two very popular whisky tasting seminars, delicious Celtic food, beautiful jewelry and crafts, fun and interactive children's games with prizes, sheepdog and duck herding and much more. This fun event for all ages is a celebration full of demonstrations, performances and musical entertainment related to many fascinating aspects of Scottish and Gaelic culture.

The Children's Glen hosts a number of activities for the little ones. Children of all ages can participate in downsized, mini athletic events (such as caber toss, pillow over the bar and braemar stone putt.) There are also a number of Celtic craft projects and the ever-popular Celtic Quest: hunting for various sites throughout the Festival and returning for a prize.

Living History A historical re-enactment portraying life in 16th century Scotland. Performers will entertain and educate you though the medium of living history.

Sheep Dogs Watch as these intelligent and highly skilled dogs gently herd sheep and ducks, under their handlers every command. Introduced to livestock as puppies so they "imprint" on the animals these animals are always able to get their ducks in a row! Don't miss this demonstration of instinct combined with careful training and

City of WatsonvilleStrawberries, music, food and strawberries every way you can imagine Date: Every day (Aug 4-Aug 5) from 10:00am to 7:00pm Admission Fees: Free

The Annual Watsonville Strawberry Festival at Monterey Bay is in downtown Watsonville.

The Watsonville Strawberry Festival traces its roots to the Watsonville Strawberry Dessert Festival that was founded in 1995 to help downtown Watsonville recover from the Loma Prieta earthquake. The Festival now exists to:

Provide a safe, family-friendly experience in downtown Watsonville;

Recognize the largest and most valuable crop in the Pajaro Valley; and

Provide non-profit organizations the opportunity to raise funds and public awareness of their work and how their work makes Watsonville a better place for everyone.

2018 Main Stage Schedule

Check out all of the great performers and contests on the corner of Main and Beach.

Cabrillo Music FestivalNon-stop world and ethnic music and dance on the outdoor Church Street Stage, and dozens of premier artists and craftspeople Date: Every day (Aug 4-Aug 5) from 11:00am to 8:00pm Admission Fees: free Special Instructions: Church Street in front of Civic Auditor

The CHURCH STREET FAIR celebrates Santa Cruz's vibrant cultural scene with free non-stop performances from diverse global traditions, delicious fare from local food purveyors, vintners and brewers, and vendor booths filled with the work of regional artisans.

Free activities for children include hands-on workshops in the Creativity Tent for Kids, and the Cabrillo Festival's Free Family Concert.

City of WatsonvilleActivities, information and food! Date: 08/07/2018 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm

Special Instructions: See 15 different locations

We're gearing up for another successful National Night Out. Come out, meet our officers and chat with them about how we can all work together to make our neighborhoods safer. What makes Watsonville so unique is that we have 16 neighborhoods across the city participating simultaneously in National Night Out.

Mountain FeedLearn a recipe designed for large quantities of staple foods; Canned Tomatoes, and Hard Apple Cider. Date: 08/11/2018 from 11:00am to 1:00pm Admission Fees: $60.00

Bringing the Harvest Home: Preserving Tomatoes

Bringing The Harvest HomeThese classes are a new format for us this year, though we will bring the same old-fashioned knowledge and clear explanation to bear on the process.

The goal of these classes will be to facilitate relationships between farmers, markets, and home-preservers, as well as fill local pantries with peak local produce for use all year long. Participants in the new class series, called Bringing The Harvest Home, will receive discount pricing on flats of farm-fresh produce, as well as equipment and supplies necessary for preserving in bulk; think flats of jars and canning kettles, carboys and airlocks for fermentation. These are longer classes, lasting 2 hours, and will be held on-site at Mountain Feed and Farm Supply.

On the day of the class, we will demonstrate a recipe designed for large quantities of staple foods; Canned Tomatoes, and Hard Apple Cider. The Farmer's Market will deliver flats of fresh produce to the site on the day of class, so that each participant goes home empowered with a recipe, a flat of produce, and the tools and skills they need to preserve the bounty of the season in bulk. Whether you're gifting jars of jam for the holiday season, these classes will launch you confidently towards a season of preservation and food security. Each class is $60.00, and pre-registration is required. Sign up early, as space is limited.

Preserving & Canning Tomatoes11am-1pmThis class will walk participants through the basics of canning whole tomatoes, from blanching to remove skins, salt and acid parameters, and the water-bath canning method, as well as discussion of food safety and alternative tomato recipes such as soup, tomato paste, ketchup and tomato sauce.

Castlewood Ranch FoundationGet ready for a fun day of activities and music hosted by the Castlewood Ranch Foundation benefiting companion Animal and Livest Date: 08/11/2018 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm

Get ready for a fun day of activities and music hosted by the Castlewood Ranch Foundation benefiting companion Animal and Livestock Rescue. DJ SCOTTY will be spinning your favorite Country tunes. CRUZ PATROL will be our headliner band.

Pre-sale tickets are $20 per adult, and $10.00 per child 12 & under until July 31, 2018. Starting August 1, 2018 tickets are $25.00 per adult. Buy tickets on Pay Pal to Kelly.Klett@yahoo.com. The Pay Pal link is below. Pick the Friends and Family payment option please. Food and beverage included in ticket price.

DRESS UP in your favorite Western attire and come have fun with us! No onsite Parking for cars. All parking will be along Nunes Road in the assigned areas. Carpooling encouraged. Limited onsite parking for Motorcycles.

Please... leave your dog at home for this event. Looking forward to seeing EVERYONE!

Santa Cruz honors its Hawaiian connections at the 26th Annual Aloha Outrigger Races and Polynesian Festival. A fun day to cheer on friends in the Outrigger Races, delight in island-style music and Polynesian dancing and enjoy a taste of the tropics with "shave ice" and festive drinks. Vendors line the Wharf with unique items perfectly catered to the Polynesian theme. Sponsored by the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation department and Pu Pu O'Hawaii Outrigger Canoe Club. This annual event is a Santa Cruz classic. FREE!

Outrigger Races: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Polynesian Festival: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Enter to Race in the Aloha Outrigger Races

Outrigger application period June 25 - August 15 ;(Early bird discount due August 3)

Two divisions: Open and Co-Ed (Co-Ed must have at least two women per team) Dress in your festive best and win the Outrigger Aloha Spirit Award.

Pescadero FestivalAquaint gathering of artists and artisans, locals and out-of-towners alike, showcasing their creativity and enjoying a down home Date: Every day (Aug 18-Aug 19) from 10:00am to 6:00pm

PAFF is Going Green!

This year, we've teamed up with the local chapter of Heirs to Our Oceans (H2OO), a youth-driven organization dedicated to changing how we see and use single-use products that negatively impact our oceans and our future.

Welcome to the Pescadero Arts and Fun Festival, a quaint gathering of artists and artisans, locals and out-of-towners alike, showcasing their creativity and enjoying a down home, country good time. Founded in 1991 by a group of local artists seeking an outlet for the local community of talent, the Pescadero Arts and Fun Festival was born, and has grown to become the event of the year for locals and longtime visitors.

Don't be fooled however by the abundance of artists in our midst (though we do seem to have more than our fair share). PAFF has become far more than just a festival showcasing local talent; thanks in large part to the dedication and generosity of the people behind PAFF, it is also a major player in promoting its local youth and programs. Whether its granting funds to programs within the schools, or scholarships to local seniors, you will find the influence of PAFF in many nooks and corners of the community.

Chamber of Commerce Scotts ValleyCome enjoy fine art, wine & beer tasting, great food, and live entertainment in an open park setting Date: Every day (Aug 18-Aug 19) from 10:00am to 6:00pm

The Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce and Scotts Valley Arts Commission invite you to attend the Annual Scotts Valley Art and Wine Festival. Come enjoy fine art, wine & beer tasting, great food, and live entertainment in an open park setting at Skypark.

Voted as Scotts Valley's favorite Community Event the Scotts Valley Art and Wine Festival has grown bigger and even better this year. Over 100 artists from around California and surrounding areas will be displaying their juried art. There will be a variety of painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, glass art, sculpture, etching, digital works, textile art and much, much more. The artistic displays will include an array of functional and fine art to suit every taste and style.

Complementing your wine and beer tasting experience will be the great food in the Fabulous Food Court. The BBQ pit will be filled with the aroma of hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill. Add to that Pizza, Stuffed Artichokes, Tacos, Kettle Corn, Fruit Smoothie drinks, coffee drinks, pretzels, Frozen Fruit treats, and YUMMY - the Food Court awaits you!

There is also fun for the kids. This year the Scotts Valley Art & Wine Festival will feature a "Kids Korner" where a Local Artist will guide children through their very own art project. Along with the art project there will be a booth to have their faces painted by local artist Melissa Garcia. It will be great fun for all. Of course there will be Live music to entertain you. The entertainment stage features a variety of entertainment. There is sure to be a style you will enjoy.

Tequila & Taco Music FestivalFamily Day on Sunday vating delicious tacos, all while enjoying a great music lineup Date: Every day (Aug 25-Aug 26) from 11:00am to 6:00pm Admission Fees: $10- $60 Special Instructions: Children under 12 free

California's Largest Traveling Tequila & Taco Music Festival is coming back to Downtown Santa Cruz at San Lorenzo Park!

Join us for TWO days of fun in the sun on Saturday, August 25th and Sunday, August 26th! Saturday will showcase top-shelf Tequila sampling, while you enjoy THE BEST gourmet tacos! Enjoy Live Music, Margaritas, Craft Beer, and Art Vendors to shop from!

All ticket holders both days will have access to Food Vendors, Craft Beer, Margarita Booths, and Live Music. Tequila Sampling:11:30 am - 3:30 pm SATURDAY ONLY NO Tequila Sampling on Sunday.

Sunday is Mas Margaritas! Enjoy an afternoon sipping on an assortment of Margaritas, eating delicious tacos, all while enjoying a great music lineup! There is no Tequila Sampling on Sunday, but there will be drinks available for purchase!

COME LIVE LIKE A GREEK IN DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ, SEPTEMBER 7, 8, and 9Celebrating its 37th year, this award-winning Greek Festival will make you feel like you are in Greece. Voted Best Street Festival and Best Food Festival in 2017. Free admission! Come see what makes it so special. You'll enjoy delicious authentic Greek dishes, live music, dancing, vendor bazaar, henna art, a taverna (bar), coffee shop, and tasty Greek desserts and pastries. The Festival benefits Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church and is located on Church Street between Cedar and Center in downtown Santa Cruz.

A fun weekend for the whole family! The Capitola Art & Wine Festival combines Art, Wine, Music and Food, all in charming Capitola Village overlooking the Monterey Bay. Summer's last hurrah, and truly a weekend in paradise!

The potluck brings a few dozen people out, each with a dish they’ve brought to share.

Cost for the dance is $15–20 per person on a sliding scale; everyone contributes what they can! PLEASE NOTE THAT AN RSVP IS RECOMMENDED but not required and is helpful for our own planning purposes. Nobody will be turned away.

The 7pm Dance lasts 3 hours and features the County Line Pickers (Jim Davies, bass; Joni Davies, guitar; Hide Kawatsur, mandolin; Ken Clarkson, banjo; Luke Abbott and Nancy Vail, fiddle) with caller Andy Wilson to lead the do-si-dos and more!

To encourage a friendly family atmosphere and encourage safe driving on Hwy 1, the potluck and barn dance are alcohol-free events. Please register using the "Sign Up" button at the top of this page and note that we can only accommodate groups of 10 or less. Our office is closed on Saturday and Sunday so the latest RSVP we can accept is the Friday before the barndance, by 3pm.

Walk along the San Lorenzo River and discover the different families of birds that come from near and far to make our river their home. Jeff Caplan, director of Common Language for Nature Connection will lead a bilingual bird walk, so you may learn about birds in Spanish or English or both!

The Monterey Jazz Festival isn't just an event, it's a renowned historical experience.

Following a rich history of jazz and originating with some of the great jazz legends from Louis Armstrong to John Coltrane, celebrate the particularly spectacular 60th anniversary of the festival surrounded by jazz-fanatics. This year, featuring more than 500 artists-including names like Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Common, and Angelique Kidjo-it's sure to be one for the books.

Food Truck A Go GoHang out and dine on the lawn or picnic tables or stop by and take dinner home! Date: The 4th Tues of every month (Jun 26-Oct 23) from 5:00pm to 7:30pm

Taco Tuesdays are happening at Anna Jean Cummings Park / Blue Ball Park every 4th Tuesday of the month! Food trucks will be serving specialty tacos plus their signature dishes. Bring your family and meet your friends! Hang out and dine on the lawn or picnic tables or stop by and take dinner home!

Santa Cruz County ParksLearn the science of how to ensure that you're preserving your food safely and what and why a few additions make your pickles cr Date: 09/29/2018 from 10:00am to 12:30pm Ages: all Admission Fees: $55.00 plus $15.00 material fee

The Science of Pickling

When you hear "pickles," you probably picture those classic crunchy dill pickles we all know and love. But there's so much more to the colorful world of pickling! You can pickle almost anything you want. Learn the science of how to ensure that you're preserving your food safely and what and why a few additions make your pickles crunchy.

Class Overview & what's included: welcome, with a tasting of assorted pickles; overview of ingredients, supplies and techniques; step-by-step recipe instruction on fermentation and vinegar pickling (veggies vary by season); secrets for making crunchy, tangy pickles every time; step-by-step instructions on home canning; what equipment you need, and what you can do without.

Instructor: Patricia Davis of Quail Hollow Kitchens delights in teaching farm-style cooking. She has a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from UCSD, and was voted Edible Monterey Bay "Best Food Artisan" in 2016. She has been teaching cooking classes since 2013.

The free community-wide "Music at Skypark" concert series benefiting the music programs in local public schools returns for its 10th summer season on the last Sundays of July, August and September. All concerts run from 2:30 to 6:00 pm at Skypark in Scotts Valley.

9/30 Last Show Of The Season! Don't miss this AMAZING line up on the 30th. Extra Large & The Joint Chiefs are sure to get EVERYONE on their feet. Support the school's Music Programs and have fabulous time doing it.

September 29th and 30th, will be the kick off to Capitola's 1st Annual Beach Festival with something for everyone to enjoy! The community event will include a 5k Fun Run, Horseshoe Tournament, Lighted Nautical Parade, Fishing Derby, Sand Sculpture Contest, Chalk Art Event, Rowboat Races and more!

Horseshoes on the sand will be starting at 8am Saturday morning in front of Zelda's, so please come early! Click here to register and may you be this year's winner!

Dream, design and create your very own sandcastle on the Capitola Beach for a chance to win a castle to take home! This event creates wonderful memories with those you hold dear. What could possibly be better than salt water, sandy toes, dreams and working together? Sign up on on the beach at 8am.

Rowboat Races for everyone!

Youth 12 and under, Juniors 12-17, Adults 18-30, Masters 31 & Over

The Rowboat Races are a series of timed head-to-head races that go up and down Soquel Creek, between the bridge and trestle. Groups of two compete in races for the best time in their age group.

"I have been attending the Renaissance Pleasure Faire for over thirty years. Although like most Faires it's booths are more in focus for making money than for historical acuracy, it's fun. The jousting matches are as good as I've seen anywhere and I've been at a lot of different Faires. The people that put on the Faire do an excellent job. If you enjoy history, art, music, fencing, costume, food, faires and culture then you should go to this fun event." John Barrows

What's your favorite part about The Joust? Is it the handsome Knights, the swords, the fight for victory?

From swords to clothing to fine art & more, you'll find what your heart desires with our 200+ fine artisans that will hawk their wares in our village! Which vendor are you looking forward to seeing?

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